Road blockade for 5 nights from Monday

Meghalaya Main Secretariat wears a deserted look during a recent office picketing called by the pro-ILP activists. (A file photo)

SHILLONG: In the wake of the continued stand-off with the government over the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue, the 10 pressure groups have decided to go for a fresh round of agitation featuring a five-day night road blockade and a two-day office picketing next week.

While the nine-hour night road blockade (8 pm-5am) would be from Monday to Friday, the office picketing has been slated for Thursday and Friday.

Irked by the adamant attitude of the Government which has rejected the demand for the implementation of ILP, the NGOs have resolved to fight until their demand is met.

Speaking after the meeting, FKJGP publicity secretary Eldie N Lyngdoh thanked the public for extending their support to the movement. “We will stick to our demand against all odds,” he said.

The pressure groups believe that ILP is the best mechanism to tackle influx and vowed to fight till they achieve.

Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma had turned down the ILP in favour of a ‘comprehensive mechanism’ adopted by his government to tackle influx which include framing of stringent tenancy law, appointment of labour inspectors and strengthening of the new directorate of infiltration in the police.